A Closer Walk With God

If you desire a closer walk with God, Noah’s life is one to pattern. He walked and talked with God when no one else on the earth did. As a result, God shared with Noah. Noah learned of God’s plan to destroy all living creatures because of the violence and corruption everywhere. As he listened, Noah discovered his life purpose—to build a vessel large enough to shelter his family and a pair of all the living animals from massive flooding over the entire earth. He never questioned God. Perhaps, Noah could move forward with absolute obedience because of the blessed assurance he had received from God. God promised to keep him safe in the arc. 

Noah had no idea he would remain there one-hundred fifty days. I believe he continued to spend time with God—praying, praising, and loving God. Perhaps, it was during his prayer time, he was able to vision an altar he would build to the Lord after the lockdown was over. Indeed, the first thing Noah did after leaving the arc was to build this altar. God was well pleased with Noah’s sacrifice and as a result blessed the whole earth and made an everlasting covenant with Noah—never again would there be a flood that would destroy life.

Now, we too are in a lockdown type situation caused by a flu pandemic. We are asked to stay home to help reduce the spread of this deadly virus. To date, over 40,000 US citizens have died. Family members are prohibited from visiting loved-ones in the hospital, even when they are at the brink of death. Twenty-two million people have lost their jobs. People wait in mile-long lines at food pantries. Health care workers and other hospital employees, policeman, ambulance medical technicians, bus and cab drivers risk their lives daily to help fellow citizens during this crisis. While we need help in taking care of human needs, we need peace, patience, wisdom, and strength that can only come from God. 

Regardless of your present circumstances, draw closer to God. By faith, whether or not you feel God’s presence, you are under God’s shadow. You are sheltered by the Almighty Sovereign God. 

• Take some nice deep breaths. Inhale slowly and exhale slowly at least five times. God is as close as each breath you take. It is impossible to take a breath without taking in God, the giver of life. 
• If you are physically able, kneel before your bed or a chair.  Lay your head on a soft pillow. Imagine yourself resting on God’s shoulder. God is your refuge and strength. Jesus says, “Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Rest in Jesus’ arms. His strength is perfect when your strength is gone.
• Express your heart to God in any way you feel led. You may want to be still, or you may express heartfelt anger; cry, shout for joy or whatever. Let go and let God do the rest. Your time with God will strengthen you and also reach God’s Divine Garden for healing of the earth and the people in it.

We need time with our Creator every day. Just like it is impossible for us to live without breath, our life is weak without God.  These spiritual practices along with study of the Bible will help you prepare you for life after the lockdown is over. We do not know what our future holds, but we do know that God holds the future.